Research in Basic Plasma Science and Engineering

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program is seeking applications for hypothesis-driven, frontier-level research in basic plasma science and engineering through this funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0003503). The research focus areas include understanding magnetic reconnection, magnetic dynamo processes, energy transfer mechanisms, coherent plasma structures, dusty plasmas, and plasma chemistry. Eligible applicants include domestic institutions of higher education, DOE/NNSA National Laboratories, DOE SC Scientific User Facilities, and non-profit organizations. Pre-applications are due February 14, 2025, with responses by February 28, 2025, and full applications are due April 4, 2025.

This funding opportunity offers approximately $5 million in total funding to support around 10 awards ranging from $300,000 to $900,000 over three years. The lead institution must perform at least 50% of the work scope, and principal investigators may only be named on one pre-application, with institutions limited to two pre-applications. The program aims to advance fundamental understanding of plasma science while training the next generation of plasma scientists and engineers.